DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) / Downturned Corners

Downturned mouth corners, medically linked to the activity of the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle, are a common facial concern that can inadvertently project a sad, angry, or perpetually discontent expression. The DAO is a small, powerful muscle that runs from the chin up to the mouth corners, and its continuous or hyperactive contraction pulls the oral commissures downward. Over time, this constant action not only establishes a downward slope at the lips’ edges but also contributes significantly to the formation and deepening of Marionette Lines, which bracket the mouth.

  • What it is: The appearance of the corners of the mouth drooping downward, creating a sad or discontent expression even when the face is relaxed.

  • The Muscle: It is primarily caused by the overactivity of the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle, which actively pulls the mouth corners down.

  • The Effect: This constant downward pull can also contribute to the formation or deepening of Marionette Lines, which run from the mouth corners to the chin.

The best solution for DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) / Downturned Corners under the philosophy of Natural Neurotoxin Artistry is the precise, low-dose injection of a neurotoxin to relax the muscle that pulls the mouth corners down, subtly elevating the expression.

Strategic Relaxation to Uplift the Mouth

The core principle of the Nefertiti Lift within this natural context is to restore the balance between the muscles that pull the facial structures up and those that pull them down.

The goal of this artistic approach is to transform a perpetually sad or angry resting expression into a more neutral and pleasant one without compromising the function or natural movement of the mouth.

  • Target Muscle: The treatment focuses specifically on the Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO) muscle. This small, triangular muscle is responsible for pulling the mouth corners downward.
  • The Art of Dosing: Very low doses (typically 1–3 units per side) are injected into the DAO near its insertion point at the corner of the mouth. The injection must be precisely placed to target only the DAO and avoid the nearby Depressor Labii Inferioris (which controls the lower lip) to prevent an asymmetrical smile or lower lip weakness.
  • The Mechanism: By weakening the downward-pulling DAO, the competing, upward-pulling muscles (like the Zygomaticus Major, which creates the smile) gain relative dominance. This shift in muscle balance causes the mouth corners to gently lift, creating a more relaxed and positive resting expression.

Addressing Marionette Lines

For clients with deep Marionette Lines (the creases running from the mouth corners to the chin), a combination approach is often used to ensure a completely natural correction:

  • Neurotoxin First: The neurotoxin relaxation of the DAO is crucial as it stops the muscle from deepening the crease further.
  • Dermal Filler Second: If the lines are static (visible at rest), a soft hyaluronic acid dermal filler may be placed carefully within the creases to physically fill the volume deficit.

This combination of relaxing the muscle tension and restoring lost volume provides a holistic, natural rejuvenation of the lower face.

Lift your smile with strategic precision. Relax tension pulling down the mouth for a softer, calm, more youthful resting expression.